Me Myself I (1999) User Reviews

My brilliant career

[jotix100 · 8/10 · 24 August 2006]

Pamela Drury, a journalist in her thirties, is in a rut. She suddenly remembers her love for Robert Dickson, a man who went to marry another woman and appears to be happily married now. Pamela wonders how her life would have turned out had she married Robert. Ben, a kind soul, who wants to pursue his interest in Pamela, arrives in her life at the time when her vivid imagination takes her to change places with the real Mrs. Dickson.

Needless to say, the sophisticated Pamela Drury, sticks out like a sore thumb among this well adjusted family living an uncomplicated life in their spacious home. Pamela relives her passion for Robert, a man that turned out to be not everything she remembered. She gets much more than what she bargained for, until the day she sees the family celebrating in their favorite restaurant and she realizes she doesn't fit in that picture, at all.

Pip Karmel created a charming film, which even on a second viewing, leaves the viewer smiling. It helps to have a good cinematographer to enhance the movie, something that Graham Lind does with great style. The movie score by Charlie Chan works well in the context of the film, but ultimately, Ms. Karmel shows she has quite a knack for directing this winning comedy.

The main reason for watching "Me, Myself, I" is Rachel Griffiths. This wonderful actress runs away with the picture. She is unique in that she can play comedy and drama with equal amounts of intelligence and wit. David Roberts makes a pleasant Robert Dickson and Sandy Winton is good as Ben.

Highly recommended because of the combined talents of Pip Karmel and Rachel Griffiths.

Virtuoso Performance by Rachel Griffiths

[FlickJunkie-2 · 9/10 · 1 October 2000]

If Rachel Griffiths keeps this up, she is going to be a potent force in feature films. She continues to show her versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. This delightful comedy reinforces the notion that you need to be careful what you wish for. Pamela Drury (Rachel Griffiths) is a successful journalist whois having a mid life crisis as another birthday rolls around. She is afraid that despite all she has accomplished, she might have been happier if she married Robert Dickson and raised a family.

One day, through mechanisms unexplained other than the magic of cinema, she is hit by a car while crossing the street by her twin, Pamela Dickson, whom I can only assume is living in some parallel universe. Drury discovers that Dickson is actually living the life she wondered about, married to Robert with three children. Suddenly Dickson disappears, leaving Drury in her place. Now Pamela begins to discover the multidimensional joys of marriage and family from the front lines. She is so ill equipped for the experience, that it produces a parade of comical situations that range from mildly amusing to absolutely hysterical.

This is a virtuoso performance by Griffiths, who has impressed me in every role I've seen her play. She was outstanding in `Hillary and Jackie' delivering a compelling dramatic performance of a complex character in a supporting role. In this film, she has the lead and she runs with it. At various times she is called upon to be dynamic, sexy, compassionate, affectionate, independent, helpless and despondent and she handles this incredible range fabulously in every case. She is a terrific comedian with excellent timing and a knack for physical comedy.

This is a very funny and enchanting film. `What If' movies seem to be popping up everywhere lately, and this is the best one I've seen. I rated it a 9/10. It is extremely entertaining and I recommend it highly. It is a shame it didn't reach a wider audience.

A hidden gem. Funny, moving and true. See it.

[xorys · 14 March 2003]

This movie is a true hidden gem. I cannot say too strongly - see it, see it see it. The premise of the movie might seem a little strained... and perhaps also overused - it's very much the same basic idea as the Nicholas Cage vehicle "Family Man", but with a female rather than a male protagonist. But this movie really works, on so many levels. Rachel Griffiths (Brenda from Six Feet Under) gives a lovely performance as the central figure, who finds herself at the verge of mid-life confronting and changing paths with an "alternate self". The movie is very funny in parts, in a slightly exaggerated but "spot on" way rather reminiscent of Bridget Jones' Diary. But I think this film actually manages to do as much in this way as BJD, whilst going considerably further in connecting with emotional realities and the sense of choices and consequences in life. It's not astoundingly deep, I guess. But it's very funny, moving and true. And fair, as well - it never gets preachy, or comes down with a trite "moral" on one side of a complex issue. I suppose the movie's most obvious appeal would be to women of a certain age either single and (to some degree) wishing they were married or married and (to some degree) wishing they were single. But I'd have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone.

Being who ‘you' are is not as easy as it seems!

[Old Joe · 20 November 2002]

I have been keeping a close eye on the rising career of Australian actress Rachel Griffiths. Of course she is best known in her role of Rhonda in the great Aussie film, ‘Muriel's wedding'. She certainly is talented, and continues to astound many TV and moviegoers around the world, who are captivated by what she can do onscreen. In the Aussie film ‘Me Myself I', Griffith's takes on a double role which she handles beautifully.

Pamela Drury is an attractive, intelligent thirty-something award winning Sydney journalist. Yet Pamela has missed the love boat, and is resigned to the odd porno flick and blind date. She could have had it all thirteen years ago, when she turned down ‘Mr. Right', Robert Dickson. On the edge of despair, Pamela literally collides with her other self - the Pamela who married Robert thirteen years ago - and comes complete with three kids, dog, goldfish and a white picket fence. When the married Pamela disappears, the career Pamela is left with the family she almost had, and the man she always wanted. As she struggles to cope with a family oblivious to the switch, she is challenged by poignant, humorous and ultimately enlightening experiences.

‘Me Myself I', is a film which you have to look at closely, to really enjoy. Its story while it might be simple to some degree has merit. The way we see Pamela go from one world to the next is quite good. The comparison to ‘Sliding Doors' is noticeable. Although it might not be as good as what Sliding Doors is, the way it uses the question of ‘what if?' in this story is pretty good. The director/Writer of ‘Me Myself I' was Pip Karmel. With Karmel, I got the feeling that she put some of her own life experiences into the story and in the character of Pamela. Pip has been a part of good movies such as Shine and Hearts in Atlantis.

There was a pretty good cast in this Australian movie. Griffith's is the standout performer in this one, as she takes on many facets to each side of her character. I like how we meet up with her two characters at the start and the end of the movie. Her husband Robert (David Roberts) was another interesting character. He really has to adjust to what the ‘other' Pamela is like. When he finds out what she wants, he is more than satisfied with her. Yet the young cast of the Dickson family was surprisingly good. I enjoy how the story focused on Stacey (Yael Stone), and how her mother helps her come to grips with womanhood. Then there is the funny scene with Douglas (Shaun Loseby), who is told in no uncertain manner that calling Mum a ‘dumb head' or the like is just not on. Yet the character of Rupert (Trent Sullivan) is most vital to the story, as he points out to the audience many times that he realises Pamela 2 is not his real mum. However, Pamela 2 does help him grow up immensely.

Outside of the Dickson family there are many interesting characters which we get to meet. The dinner scene is quite funny, as we get to see how sleazy a guy Geoff (Felix Williamson) really is, and that the other Pamela is as unfaithful as her own husband is. Then there is the character of Ben, who has taken a liking to Pamela 2. Pamela is strongly attracted to Ben (Sandy Winton), and she can not control her feelings towards him either.

This then leads me to the important lessons that this movie points out to its audience. The question of ‘What If?' is of great significance all the way through out the film, as Pamela 2 is thinking that at one stage ‘Why did I let you go?' in reference to Robert. Then in the blink of an eye, Pamela 2 is placed into the very situation that she thought she had lost 13 years ago. I am sure that we have all wondered at one stage or another, how a different decision might have effected our future. ‘Me Myself I' also asks other questions like ‘what is more important, a family or career?'. In the fantasy world that this film is set in, Pamela 2 gets to experience the best of both worlds. Then there is the idea of love and relationships. Pam and Robert both talk of how difficult their relationship/marriage has and continues to be. Pamela 2 also shows what effect a ‘risk' can or could have had on her life if she enters into a relationship or not. The rewards certainly outweigh the risks that were presented to her.

In conclusion, this was a very enjoyable film to watch, and while Rachel Griffiths has done many small-time films that we have probably all overlooked, she is one actress who demands that people take notice of. After seeing ‘Me Myself I', it has made me appreciate this Aussie gals talents all the more. I will continue to look out for her with keen interest in her upcoming movie roles. ‘Me Myself I' allows us all to look at who we really are, the ‘individual' that is inside us all. The finale to this one is a great look at just that. I also like the new remix on the song ‘Me Myself I', which was performed by Marie Wilson. Take the ‘risk' when you are next looking for a good Aussie film and view ‘Me Myself I'. You will kick yourself if you don't!

CMRS gives ‘Me Myself I': 4 (Very Good Film)

loved it

[joeandkc · 10/10 · 4 April 2003]

i thought this movie was wounderful. it teaches you how if you envy one persons life they may envy yours and it isn't allways better then yours. It made me think of if given the opportunity would you go back and change something that you have felt that you did wrong, and if so would you change it?

Rachel Griffiths Shines

[savanna-2 · 8 July 2001]

No denying the talents of Rachel Griffiths and her turn in this "dual" role shows that she is quite capable of carrying a film. Also, a great comic turn, with a flush of drama.

The film goes where we would all like to go, (It's a Wonderful Life style) the path not taken. Answers to the "what if's" that plague a person over time.

Terrific handling of the subject matter and great performances by the supporting cast.

A Delightful Little "What If" Romance

[noralee · 7/10 · 8 November 2005]

"Me, Myself and I" is for fans of "little romantic Australian movies" like "Hotel de Love" and "Muriel's Wedding" (which I am a sucker for) or "alternative universe/what if movies" like "Sliding Doors" and "Twice Upon Yesterday" or sort of "Next Stop Wonderland" (of which I am also a sucker for) or even "mid-life crisis movies" like "Metroland" (which I deeply went through when I turned 40 so can really relate to).

Except for a tacked-on romantic ending in the closing moments, this is a charming tour de force for Rachel Griffiths (Hilary of "Hilary and Jackie") as she plays both "what if's" in her life. I liked that each parts of herself learn from the switch.

I would think that both singles and confirmed marrieds would enjoy what each self goes through as they seemed realistic to me. Well to women at least (the women in the audience were rolling in the aisles at the scenes of the single woman suddenly having to cope with how a married woman deals with birth control).

(originally written 4/8/2000)

Rachel Griffiths' Movie

[gbheron · 7/10 · 25 June 2002]

Based on the popularity of the TV show, "Six Feet Under", Rachel Griffiths is now getting the popular and critical recognition she deserves. But to really appreciate her breadth as an actress you must watch some of her earlier films, and "Me Myself I" is a good candidate. For one, it's almost a one-woman show, and Griffiths actually plays two parts.

We all wonder what would have happened if we'd made a critical life-decision differently. Driven, single professional, Pamela Drury (Griffiths), gets the chance to actually experience this 'what if'. Through some weird event, Pamela is thrust into an alternate reality where her new life is as if she had married her childhood sweetheart and settled down to some serious homemaking. At the same time, her double (the homemaker from the parallel reality), trades places with her and assumes the life of a single professional. I know it's confusing, and I can't explain it any better. If it sounds intriguing, rent the movie.

Griffiths excels in variation hybrid of "It's a Wonderful Life" meets "Sliding Doors"

[george.schmidt · 27 April 2004]

ME MYSELF I (2000) **1/2 Rachel Griffiths, David Roberts, Sandy Winton, Yael Stone, Shaun Loseby, Trent Sullivan. (Dir: Pip Karmel) Rachel Griffiths has always struck me as a lankier, sexier déjà vu of Juliette Lewis, but with more sublimity than her American compatriot. The Australian actress – who received a Best Supporting Actress nomination in 1998 for 'Hilary and Jackie' – has always been interesting to observe onscreen since I first noticed her in the indie surprise hit 'Muriel's Wedding'. Here she gets to be funny and succeeds more often than the film itself.

Griffiths stars as Pamela, a self-observed Type A writer for a woman's magazine that is always on the go and busy even on her birthday which proves to be a hindrance than a blessed event when she begins to sink into suicidal depression over the latest break up in a string of faceless, nameless lovers with no satisfying reason to continue her breakneck freestyling life. After several hilarious half-hearted attempts to do herself in (including the gradual lowering of a hair drier into her bubble bath) her wish comes true when she is knocked unconscious after walking into oncoming traffic. When she awakens she isn't herself but instead her fantasy self – a married woman with three children wed to her high school crush Robert (Roberts) – and finds the sudden change to be challenging but in the end rewarding.

Along the way she comes across sexy Ben (Winton) from her previous existence again and must decide on being a stay at home writer or a freestyling single with an active sex life.

Throughout Griffiths is winning as the new found mother juggling her tykes, writing and her husband – all experiencing a new and improving person as well. But the film's familiarity – from 'It's A Wonderful Life' to the Gwyneth Paltrow flick 'Sliding Doors' – ends up derailing the storyline altogether even if it is presented with a lot of energy.

A Delightful and Surrealistic Movie, With Touches of `Sliding Doors'

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 21 October 2003]

Pamela Drury (Rachel Griffiths) is a single thirty and so years old woman very dissatisfied with her life. She writes a column in a magazine for women and she regrets why she did not say `yes' to the proposal of her boy friend Robert Dickson (David Roberts) thirteen years ago. Her dates are usually terrible, and the last guy she met apparently has a wife and two daughters. She is almost committing suicide, when she suddenly meets herself on the street, married with Robert. She becomes the other `her', but with memories from her single life. The situations are very funny and dramatic. This is really a surprising good movie, with some touches of the 1998 `Sliding Doors'. Rachel Griffiths has a great performance and is very charming and delightful in this surrealistic movie. Since Pamela keeps her memory of her previous life, it is really funny to see how she handles a type of life 180 degrees from hers. My vote is eight.

What if?

[yas_min84 · 7/10 · 28 July 2013]

I really like this movie. Maybe I also related myself a lot with the Pamela but anyway it is brilliant. We already know that the life is all depend our choices. And aren't we all wonder sometimes what would happened if we choose the other path.It really made me thinking over my personal choices and asked myself the question ''what if...?''. And I think it is good to think over again our choices, imagine what would have happened, would i be more happier or miserable. but the beauty is we cannot tell. that is one of the mystery that will remain forever.

So it is not the final goals of your's what makes you happy in your life but it is the journey that takes you there. And it is this journey that makes you who you are.

Glowing

[Stephen Groenewegen · 20 July 2000]

Me, Myself, I combines two genres of romantic comedy: the "body swap" with the "what if?" story (you know, Dating the Enemy meets Sliding Doors). The film flounders a little in the first twenty minutes or so as it establishes Pamela (Rachel Griffiths), single and luckless in love. Pamela is a journalist, and has just met a fellow writer (Sandy Winton) who seems to be the perfect mate. Until she sees him with his kids... Pamela is wondering what her life would have been like if she'd married high school sweetheart Robert Dickson (David Roberts) when WHAM! she's hit by a car. She comes to in the arms of married Pamela (also Rachel Griffiths) who takes her home to her suburban house, three kids and married life with Robert.

This is writer-director Pip Karmel's first feature (she received an Oscar nomination for editing Shine). Karmel is obviously close to her material, but she's not overly protective of it - she wants us to enjoy her conception. She has the perfect star in Rachel Griffiths, who we're more used to seeing in supporting roles (most famously, Muriel's Wedding and Hilary and Jackie). She carried a film in Amy, but she played a glum, washed-out single mum. Here, she's a lot of fun. You want to know more about Pamela, and the subtle differences between the single and married Pamelas are simply, but impressively, conceived. She's well supported by David Roberts and Sandy Winton, as husband and potential boyfriend. Refreshingly for a romantic comedy, the men aren't thoroughly likeable or dislikeable. I found it easy to suspend my disbelief with Me, Myself, I. It's that rare beast: an Australian romantic comedy that's funny, and leaves you with a warm glow inside when it's over.

Deserves Attention

[prionboy · 8/10 · 15 May 2000]

When one makes a movie with a tacky plot such as this one, it requires great skill to make it work. There must be some real learning accomplished via the plot device and the actors must make us care about them. As I watched this movie unfold, I was satisfied at every turn while dreading the imminent horrible misstep which would make the whole film crumble into a pile of mush. Much to my delight, that misstep never occurred. The film succeeds at satisfying our desire to experience the alternate choice that the protagonist could have made at an important crossroad in her life and makes us realize that "happily ever after" is only an illusion no matter what choices we make. It was also a touching reminder that when we take a fresh look at our situation and concentrate on the positive aspects that exist in all of our lives, the quality of our lives will be dramatically improved. Are these ideas unique? Certainly not, but it's always enjoyable to have them reinforced from a new perspective. And through the eyes of the talented Rachel Griffith, the message successfully hits home.

A film with heart

[jeff-122 · 8/10 · 3 May 2000]

More enjoyable and slicker than the advertising campaign would suggest this is a memorable if at times derivative film that overcomes some second-rate support actors and a weak finale by imbuing the leads with such likability and making us care for Pamela's (the beautiful Griffiths) predicament.

Similar in theme to If Only..(released internationally as Twice upon a Yesterday) but populated by real people as opposed to sexy mannequins, this is at times crass but sometimes strangely moving. And against all odds even if it is at its most basic a " kitchen sink" romance, it is never boring.

Griffiths, Roberts and all three kids are superb. And there are some great musical memories on the soundtrack.

I didn't find it as funny as some reviewers (the audience I saw it with were pretty quiet) but it is a film with ideas and intelligence and heart, and they don't get made very often these days.

More memorable than "Sliding Doors" but ...

[peterghsd · 8/10 · 2 May 2000]

Is this movie better than "Sliding Doors"? Without Gwyneth? Hard to say. It is very different, more grounded, more memorable but not necessarily more entertaining. Rachel Griffiths does a wonderful job; the entertainment "gap" stems from a rather plain supporting plot and cast. Yet this is what makes the movie more realistic. (How much time do you want to spend watching a single yuppie woman cope with three boisterous children in entirely routine daily life?) This movie could have been more but should be appreciated for what it is. I rate it on par with "Sliding Doors" which is substantial praise.

Charming, cute but not too cute

[Chad-11 · 9/10 · 28 April 2000]

A great romantic comedy, better than Sliding Doors and Twice Upon A Yesterday!!! Well directed, nicely acted, and real. This isn't a hollywood film that is boring and clashed and fake, it's honest and often hilarous. The only one problem is Regal Cinema's projector lighting, it seemed too dark (the Sony Pictures Classics logo was very dark blue, not sky blue) anyway this film is lots of fun!

Sweet, but unsatisfying

[Unicorn7583 · 3 May 2002]

I have to admit, the only reason I watched this is because I'm a die-hard Christine Stephen-Daly fan. However, although she didn't feature in it as much as I would have liked, Rachel Griffiths provided a fairly compelling performance which kept me happy throughout the rest of the movie.

I was a little disappointed by all the characters EXCEPT Pamela though, and I'm afraid not even the girl who played Stacey can sway me on that. I felt that they were all very 2D.

I am glad I've seen the movie (if only to get a glimpse of Christine in such AWFUL tights) but I'm also glad I didn't have to pay any more than £4.99 for it.

Dreadful, dreadful movie

[countryboynyc · 14 April 2002]

i couldn't stop watching this movie because the acting is so good (and David Roberts is just so adorable) and the kids are so great but WHAT a BORING PLOT! i don't know why it affected me so deeply that i had to comment on the movie, but it was just a horrible stupid movie.

Ignored by Hollywood so they copied the idea and made "A Family Man"

[mpmurr · 10/10 · 23 March 2002]

Why, oh why does Hollywood ignore super films like this and then make a copycat, in this case the abismal "A Family Man". Rachel Griffiths is great in this film, the story is fun and original.

Australian films deserve a lot more success in the US, not just Australian actors.

genuinely funny, warm, charming story - see this movie! I loved it...

[decibel-5 · 9/10 · 3 April 2000]

Very very funny! I saw Me Myself I at a Patrick Rafter charity preview screening in Melbourne, Australia & it was really well received - the audience got quite involved & even vocal. The story is based on a very simple "What if." premise and explores the theme in an entertaining manner without being hokey or contrived. It was a genuinely funny, warm, charming story & Rachel Griffiths was perfect as a thirtyish single journalist Pamela Drury who gets to discover what her life would have been like if she had accepted a marriage proposal many years before. There is a poignant scene with Rachael's character in the bath when I was crying with laughter, then wondered for a brief moment if this was actually the right response, but I wasn't left dangling for long before the story swung back to it's comedic theme. A truly enjoyable experience. Go and see it if you've ever wondered it you've made the right decisions in life (and haven't we all?).

I Myself Me - a bit mixed up

[Edu-16 · 31 October 2001]

sorry, poor excuse for a joke.

Film not bad I thought, and only a little mixed up at times. Definitely worth the watch.

There were in the end perhaps too many ideas, and many of these were left dangling and un-pursued at the end. (like the reasons 'why' the 'married version' had started an affair with that complete loser....or what was going to happen when the married version finds out she has got the sack....). But I guess that's okay. A film doesn't have to explain everything I suppose....

Right, Griffiths. Good or bad ? Well, Im going against the grain here. She's okay, but there are some forced moments (e.g. early scenes with the school councilor.....who wasn't that great either for that matter). Agree with other commentator that the daughter was v.good.

Better than sliding doors ? No. Both films surprise, but I didn't really end up liking any of the characters that much in MMI. Probably strict baptist upbringing coming out here, but boy do these characters find it easy to sleep with someone else. This in itself is not unrealistic of course. But the lack of comment by the film or reaction/ feeling shown by the parties is frankly too cold for my tastes. Maybe things are different in Australia.....maybe, Im just plain jealous and wish I had fewer hang ups. Hey ho.

Sliding doors is a lot funnier and has charm. MMI didnt hit my funny bone, mildly amusing was how I would describe it...., and lacked charm.

But I will give MMI credit for it's domestic realism. Spot on.....excruciatingly so at times. Puts 'Family Man' firmly in its place so it does.

Last comment though must be reserved for the husband. Given that he is apparently the great-love-of-her-life-that-she-let-slip-though-her-fingers sort of thing, I was expecting someone, well you know, quite nice ? But he wasn't that at all. He was a complete a*se. He was grumpy, arrogant, sexist and had a perpetual down turned mouth all the time. What was she thinking ???!!!

It would be fair to give MMI the benefit of the doubt that its undoubted ambiguity is intended and carefully managed. Both lives have hope at the end, and you can't say one is better than the other. If this was the intention, MMI is a success and makes for a colourful film compared with the normal Hollywood black and white.

A romantic comedy with a brain.

[squatsified · 9/10 · 28 September 2001]

One of the best films of '99 which was largely overlooked, probably because it's Australian and Julia Roberts isn't in it. See this instead of "Family Man." They stole the idea from this for the Nicolas Cage movie and this is a much better film. Rachel Griffiths is equally terrific as Pamela, a single woman who regrets her choice earlier in life not to marry and have children, and as the "other" Pamela, who DID marry the so-called Mr. Right and bear his three ungrateful brats. Both worlds are explored, and we are left with the conclusion that life is all about choices, and neither choice is "better" than the other. The film is witty, but never wacky or silly. If you're tired of pratfalls into wedding cakes ala Runaway Bride, rent this one. You won't be disappointed.

If it were not for Rachel Griffiths, this movie would not have been worth seeing.

[garrybowers2002 · 8/10 · 18 August 2001]

Rachel Griffiths made this movie worthwhile seeing. Don't miss her in Six Feet Under. The movie itself was extremely silly but it was completely justified by Griffiths's performance, which was magnificent. We all know about stupid, flashback romantic comedies, but Griffiths came through with a stunning performance.

Beats "The Family Man" on the same plot

[polymathe · 1 May 2001]

Compare the hollywoodian 'bigger than life' approach of "The Family Man" -- luxurious flat/sports car/supermodel girlfriend vs perfect family, nice house, lovely wife -- with down-to-earth approach of "Me Myself I" -- single professional woman living alone vs housewife in the suburbia. That's a script: about credible characters, a touching slice of life, real people. A pleasure to watch.

Absolutely wonderful!

[doghouse-8 · 9/10 · 20 February 2001]

This is a terrific movie. It's clever, funny and really makes you think. Rachel Griffiths is excellent.......in fact, everyone is great. I laughed out loud all the way through this one, but was also very touched by the tenderness this movie showed for the characters. Pay attention to the ending, it's perfect!

P.S. My husband really liked it too, so please don't think it's for women only.